Greece - Korina Miller [473]
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LIPSI VILLAGE
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Hugging the deep harbour, Lipsi Village is a cosy community with a small, atmospheric old town and blue-shuttered homes. This tiny town’s scattering of restaurants and hotels is the hub of Lipsi’s action.
Orientation & Information
All boats dock at Lipsi Port, where there are two quays. Ferries, hydrofoils and catamarans all dock at the larger, outer jetty, while excursion boats dock at a smaller jetty nearer the centre of Lipsi Village. The Anna Express docks close to the large main church in the inner port.
The post office is opposite the church on the upper, central square in the old town. The lower, harbour-side square is home to a tourist office ( summer only), which opens for most ferry arrivals, along with a shaded children’s playground. The Co-operative Bank of the Dodecanese on the port changes money and has an ATM.
Cave ( 22470 44328; internet per hr €4) Internet access near the outer jetty.
Leski Internet (Old Town; per hr €4) A few computers in someone’s front room, near the church.
Lipsos Travel ( 22470 44125) Issues tickets for the Anna Express and organises excursions.
Police ( 22470 41222) In the port.
Port police ( 22470 41133) In the port.
Ticket office ( 22470 41250; 30min prior to departures) A small office on the outer jetty issuing boat tickets.
www.lipsi-island.gr A useful resource about the island.
Activities
Liendou Beach is on the edge of the village so, naturally, is the most popular beach. With a narrow strip of sand and pebbles and shallow, calm water, it’s good for swimming. It’s just north of the ferry port over a small headland.
Rena and Margarita offer boat trips (day trip per person €20) to Lipsi’s offshore islands for a sail, picnic and swim. Both excursion boats can be found at Lipsi’s smaller jetty and depart at around 10am daily.
Festivals & Events
The annual religious festival of Panagia tou Harou takes place near the end of August when the island fills up with visitors. Following a procession, expect all-night revelry in the lower village square.
An annual wine festival takes place for three days during August with dancing and free wine. Check locally for the exact dates.
Sleeping
Panorama Studios ( 22470 41235; studios/apt from €50/80; ) The studios here are clean with great sea vistas, while the apartments have balconies on which you could happily spend your whole holiday.
Apartments Galini ( 22470 41212, 6932037511; matsouri@yahoo.gr; d €55) Right on the harbour, these simple, immaculate rooms have kitchenettes, proper double beds and small balconies with great views.
Apartments Poseidon ( 22470 41130; www.lipsi-poseidon.gr; d incl breakfast €65; ) Spacious new apartments sleeping up to four, with lovely trimmings like local pottery. Each has a full kitchen and a big balcony with an uninterrupted sea view. It’s between the two quays.
Rizos Studios ( 6976244125; fax 22470 44225; www.annaexpress-lipsi.services.officelive.com/rizos.aspx; d €65) Like cosy cottages, these studios have lots of personal touches such as local art, fabric and plenty of cushions. Kitchens are amazingly well stocked, stone-paved floors stay cool and the spacious balconies have a view over Liendou Bay. Phone ahead for a lift from the port.
Aphroditi Hotel ( 22470 41000; www.hotel-aphroditi.com; s/d/apt €50/70/125; ) This sprawling place is set just behind Liendou Beach, with spotless and slightly grandiose rooms. Studios have a kitchenette while apartments are huge with two balconies and full kitchen.
Eating
Bakery Shop ( 22470 41150; sweets €1-3) Sit on the balcony with the locals, sipping coffee, licking ice cream or indulging in baked goods. It’s just next to the playground.
Porto Grill House ( 22470 41130; mezedhes €2-6) Between the quays. The kebabs in pita, grilled meats, stuffed tomatoes and salads here are great value. Enjoy from the shaded, view-filled patio.
Cafe de Moulin (mains €3-6) It doesn’t have the most inspiring menu, but the fresh